Reviews of children’s books

Reviews of children’s books

Darkness fell on the City of Light this month. Thankfully a delightful chapter book enlists an unscathed Paris as enchanting backdrop for a tale of unlikely friendship and life-changing discovery. The focus is on a pampered pup (the pet of an apartment building’s gardienne) and a feline flâneur (someone who wanders “the city just to see what there is to see”). In mild adventures, they show each other how the other half lives. The creator of favorite characters such as Knuffle Bunny, Pigeon, Elephant and Piggie recently lived in Paris for a time. Here he lovingly presents its unique perspectives and wondrous landmarks — the gargoyles of Notre Dame and the tall and pointy tower that “could cut a cloud in half.” With wit and style, mirrored in lively ink drawings, this charmer serves as a cheerful love letter to Paris.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings

By Richard Simon and Tanya Simon; illustrated by Mark Siegel

(Roaring Brook; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 5-9)

In a timely but sadly timeless tale, a young Jewish refugee is sent from Germany to his aunt in Manhattan after Kristallnacht. Oskar carries her address and his father’s words: “You have to look for blessings.” It is 1938, the last night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. Miracles unfold as Oskar makes his way one hundred blocks up Broadway. An old woman shares bread, a newsstand man bestows a Superman comic book, Count Bassie whistles jazz, a boy shares his mittens and a Christmas tree vendor lends a helping hand, all before the poignant reunion. Paneled, sepia-tone art captures the scary sweep of Oskar’s snowy walk and the oft-tested optimism that allows his survival. Blending historic and imagined events, this magical parable eloquently models empathy, kindness and the true spirit of giving.

Toys Meet Snow: Being the Wintertime Adventures of a Curious Stuffed Buffalo, a Sensitive Plush Stingray, and a Book-Loving Rubber Ball

By Emily Jenkins; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

(Schwartz/Wade; 40 pages; $17.99; 40 pages; ages 3-7)

Spacious pages easily accommodate a picture story about the characters from the beloved chapter book trilogy that launches with “Toys Go Out.” It seems that Little Girl has gone on winter vacation, leaving three favorite toys to wonder about snow. First inside and then out, their observations are both poetic and factual. “Why does it decide to snow?” asks curious Lumphy. “Because the clouds are sad and happy at the same time,” responds sensitive Stingray. “No, it’s what rain becomes when the temperature is freezing,” counters bookish Plastic. And so it goes as the digitally rendered trio ventures into a white wonderland to experience snow, build a snowman, make snow angels and admire the “strawberry syrup” sunset. Back inside, they conclude, “And yes, the world is sweet.” Ditto for this dear book, perfect for both old and soon-to-be fans.

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War

By Steve Sheinkin

(Roaring Brook; 370 pages; $19.99; ages 12-up)

Baby Boomers will devour this riveting recap of a bloody and controversial Cold War conflict. The question: Will their grandchildren? The answer: They should. Object lessons abound in this meticulously researched history as seen in the life of a 20th century think-tank analyst turned whistle-blower. Ellsberg, having served in the Marines and the State Department and having worked at the Rand Corp., concluded that the U.S. government was deceiving the public about the Vietnam War. As an act of conscience and at personal risk, Ellsberg released evidence in the once-classified Pentagon Papers, subsequently printed in newspapers across America. Superb storytelling presents a complicated man and the issues he both faced and raised about truth, secrets, lies, patriotism, civil disobedience, war and peace. And from the Iraq War to Edward Snowden, there are parallels with implications for today.

Robo-Sauce

By Adam Rubin; illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

(Dial; 48 pages: $18.99; ages 4-8)

A boy loves cross-dressing as a robot. (Think cardboard boxes and assorted doodads.) He also loves annoying his family. Then an offstage narrator offers him a top-secret formula that turns “squishy humans” into real-deal robots. One ingredient: 12 volts gluten-free kookamonga flakes! The formula works, and now the “robo-kid” can finally do “cool stuff” like activate a “robo-story.” How’s that? Thanks to ingenious paper engineering, this novelty book practically turns itself inside out and upside down. A transformative gatefold creates the silvery foil jacket for a short epilogue about “beep-boop” domination. Don’t expect hidden messages about HAL-like computers run amok. Instead, scratchy, “sentient machine” cartoons offer absurd humor to nail the magnetic allure of cutting-edge technology. Wild fonts, frenetic compositions and neon orange amp up the package. There’s even a QR code that links to a related interactive website.

Grandma in Blue With a Red Hat

By Scott Menchin; illustrated by Harry Bliss

(Abrams; 32 pages; $16.95; ages 4-7)

“Saturday is the best day. Because that’s the day I go to art class at the museum,” declares a young African American boy as he waves goodbye to his grandmother and bounds up the grand steps of the Met in New York City. With simple watercolors, a clean narrative and snappy speech bubbles, this affectionate picture book chronicles his gallery tour. A gifted teacher connects kids and art. Throughout, modern sculptures, a Grecian urn and great paintings pose the question: What is art? Turns out, art is beautiful, unique and funny, just like the boy’s grandmother. Idea: Maybe she belongs in the museum, too! True, things may feel a bit contrived, but all is forgiven, given the book’s sheer innocence, deep appreciation for art, and perfect portrait of inter-generational love.